India to China: Complete Entry Guide for 2026
Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 9 min
Quick Summary: Indian nationals require a visa to enter China — there is no visa-on-arrival. The most common visas are Tourist (L), Business (M), and Work (Z). Processing takes 4-7 business days at Chinese consulates in India. Direct flights connect Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and more. Plan at least 2-3 weeks ahead for visa processing.
Do Indians Need a Visa for China?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa to enter mainland China. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals as of 2026.
Exception: Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry rules — Indian nationals can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days.
Visa Types for Indian Nationals
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Tourist) | Tourism, visiting friends | Single/double entry, 30-90 days stay | Most common for first-time visitors |
| M (Business) | Business meetings, trade | Single/multiple entry | Requires invitation letter from Chinese company |
| Z (Work) | Employment | Single entry initially | Requires work permit from employer |
| X1/X2 (Student) | Study programs | Duration of study | Requires admission letter |
| F (Exchange) | Non-commercial visits, research | Varies | For invited delegations, researchers |
| Q (Family) | Visiting Chinese family members | Varies | Requires proof of relationship |
| D (Permanent Residence) | Long-term residence | 5-10 years | Difficult to obtain |
How to Apply for a Chinese Visa from India
Chinese Consulates and Visa Application Centers in India
| City | Type | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Embassy | Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K, Uttarakhand |
| Mumbai | Consulate General | Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, MP, Chhattisgarh |
| Kolkata | Consulate General | West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Northeast states |
| Chennai | Consulate General | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Most cities also have Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) that handle document submission (but not decisions).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Documents
For a Tourist (L) visa:
- Completed visa application form (online at visaforchina.cn)
- Passport (valid for 6+ months, with 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (white background, 33x48mm)
- Round-trip flight booking confirmation
- Hotel booking confirmation for entire stay
- Bank statement (last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds)
- Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
- Copy of previous China visas (if any)
For Business (M) visa, additionally:
- Invitation letter from Chinese company (on company letterhead)
- Business registration documents
- Letter from your Indian employer
Step 2: Submit Application
- Book an appointment at the CVASC or consulate
- Submit documents in person (most locations require in-person submission)
- Pay the visa fee
Step 3: Pay Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (INR approximate) |
|---|---|
| Single entry | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Double entry | ₹3,500–4,500 |
| Multiple entry (6 months) | ₹5,000–6,500 |
| Multiple entry (12 months) | ₹6,500–8,000 |
Fees change periodically — verify current fees at visaforchina.cn
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Standard: 4-7 business days
- Express: 2-3 business days (higher fee)
- Rush: 1 business day (highest fee, not always available)
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
Collect in person or via courier (if the center offers this option).
Flights from India to China
Direct Routes (2026)
| Indian City | Chinese City | Airlines | Approx. Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Beijing (PEK/PKX) | Air China, IndiGo | 5.5–6 hrs |
| Delhi (DEL) | Shanghai (PVG) | Air China, China Eastern | 6–7 hrs |
| Delhi (DEL) | Guangzhou (CAN) | China Southern | 6–7 hrs |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Shanghai (PVG) | China Eastern | 7–8 hrs |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Guangzhou (CAN) | China Southern | 6.5–7 hrs |
| Chennai (MAA) | Guangzhou (CAN) | China Southern | 5.5–6 hrs |
| Kolkata (CCU) | Kunming (KMG) | China Eastern | 2.5–3 hrs |
Connecting Routes
Many routes connect via:
- Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
- Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Scoot)
- Bangkok (Thai Airways, AirAsia)
- Dubai (Emirates, flydubai)
- Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific)
Booking Tips
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best prices
- Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October, Chinese New Year in Jan/Feb)
- Check baggage allowance — Chinese domestic connections have different rules
Arriving in China: What to Expect
At the Airport
- Immigration (入境): Join the “Foreigners” queue
- Present: Passport + visa + completed arrival card (given on plane or at airport)
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo taken (first-time visitors)
- Baggage claim: Collect luggage
- Customs: Declare items over ¥5,000 or restricted goods
Arrival Card
Fill in:
- Full name (as in passport)
- Passport number
- Flight number
- Purpose of visit
- Address in China (hotel name is fine)
Customs Limits for Arrivals from India
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cash (foreign currency) | Declare if over $5,000 USD equivalent |
| Cash (RMB) | Declare if over ¥20,000 |
| Alcohol | 1.5 liters |
| Tobacco | 400 cigarettes |
| Gifts/goods | ¥5,000 duty-free |
First Things to Do After Arrival
Immediate Priorities
- Get connectivity — Buy a SIM card at the airport or activate your eSIM
- Set up payments — Activate WeChat Pay / Alipay (do this before leaving India if possible)
- Get local currency — ATMs at airports accept international cards; exchange desks also available
- Download essential apps — Didi (taxi), Maps (Baidu or Amap), translation app
Within 24 Hours
- Hotel registration: Your hotel will register you with police automatically
- If staying with friends/renting: Register at the local police station within 24 hours
Essential Apps to Download Before Leaving India
Download these while you still have unrestricted internet access:
| App | Purpose | Available on |
|---|---|---|
| Communication + payments | iOS + Android | |
| Alipay | Payments | iOS + Android |
| VPN (your choice) | Access blocked sites | iOS + Android |
| Google Maps | Works offline in China | iOS + Android |
| Didi | Ride-hailing | iOS + Android |
| Google Translate | Translation + camera | iOS + Android |
Note: Google Play Store is blocked in China. Download Android apps before you arrive, or use the App Store (iOS).
Money and Payments
Currency
China uses Renminbi (RMB / CNY / 人民币). The basic unit is the Yuan (¥).
Approximate exchange rate: ₹1 ≈ ¥0.085 (1 CNY ≈ ₹11.8) — check current rates before travel.
Getting Cash
- Airport ATMs: Accept international Visa/Mastercard
- Bank of China ATMs: Most reliable for foreign cards
- Currency exchange: Available at airports and major hotels (rates are worse)
Mobile Payments
WeChat Pay and Alipay now accept international cards — set these up before arrival. See our How to Pay in China guide for full setup instructions.
Internet and VPN
Many websites and apps are blocked in China, including:
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube)
- WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X
- Most news sites
Solution: Install a VPN before arriving in China. VPNs cannot be downloaded from within China easily. See our VPN for China guide for recommendations.
Common Questions from Indian Travelers
Is it safe for Indians to travel to China?
Generally yes. India-China political tensions don’t typically affect individual travelers. Indians are common in major Chinese cities for business and study. Exercise normal travel precautions.
Can I use UPI or Indian payment apps in China?
No. UPI and Indian payment apps don’t work in China. You need WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to an international card, or cash.
Is Hindi spoken anywhere in China?
Very rarely. English is more useful in tourist areas and major cities. Download a translation app — Google Translate’s camera feature works well for menus and signs.
Can I bring Indian food / spices?
Personal quantities of packaged food are generally fine. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are restricted. Check customs rules for specific items.
Do Indian driving licenses work in China?
No. International Driving Permits (IDP) are not recognized in China. You cannot legally drive in China on an Indian license. Use Didi or public transport.
What’s the time difference?
China Standard Time (CST) is UTC+8. India Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30. China is 2.5 hours ahead of India.
Do I need travel insurance?
Strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be high without insurance. See our Expat Medical Insurance guide for options.
Useful Phrases for Indian Travelers
| Situation | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | Xièxiè |
| Where is…? | …在哪里？ | …zài nǎlǐ? |
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| I don’t understand | 我不明白 | Wǒ bù míngbái |
| Help! | 帮帮我！ | Bāng bāng wǒ! |
| Police | 警察 | Jǐngchá |
| Hospital | 医院 | Yīyuàn |
Related Guides
- VPN for China 2026 — Essential before you arrive
- How to Pay in China — WeChat Pay and Alipay setup
- SIM Card for Foreigners in China — Get connected on arrival
- First Week Checklist — Everything to do when you arrive
Visa requirements and entry rules can change. Always verify current requirements at the official Chinese Embassy website or visaforchina.cn before travel.
Last Updated: April 2026